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Automation Solution Guide: From The Needs, Choose An Architecture, Then A Technology To Lead To A Product
Automation Solution Guide: From The Needs, Choose An Architecture, Then A Technology To Lead To A Product
chapter
Automation solution guide
From the needs, choose an architecture, then a technology to lead to a product
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1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Introduction The automation equipment Automation architectures Architecture definition Choice of automated equipment
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3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 M
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1.1 1.2
Progress in industrial automation has helped industry to increase its productivity and lower its costs.Widespread use of electronics and powerful, flexible software have given rise to more efficient modular designs and new maintenance tools. Customer demands have also evolved substantially; competition, productivity and quality requirements compel them to adopt a process-based approach.
The process engenders waste which must be collected, transported, treated and discarded.
1.2
v Power control
Controls loads driven by the automatic device, either a contactor is used as a direct on line starter or an electronic controller is used to graduate the power supply of a motor or heater.
v Dialogue
A Fig. 2 Five basic functions
Commonly named man-machine interface, it is the link between the operator and the machine. It is function is to give orders and monitor the status of the process Control is made by push buttons, keyboards and touch screens and viewed through indicator lights, illuminated indicator banks and screens.
v Data processing
The software, part of the automation equipment, fusing the orders given by the operator and the process status measurements is the brain of the equipment. It controls the preactuators and sends information when and where required. The automation engineer has a wide range of options, from the simplest (as a set of push buttons directly controlling a contactor), through programmable logic systems to a collaborative link between the automated devices and computers. Today as simple low-cost automated devices are available, relay diagrams have practically disappeared.
1.2
v Data acquisition
Data acquisition is mandatory to send feedback is to the controller or the PLC. Due to technological progress most of all physical value can now be detected or measured.
b Power links
These are the connections between parts and include cables, busbars, connectors and mechanical protection such as ducts and shields. Current values range from a few to several thousand amperes. They must be tailored to cover electrodynamic and mechanical stress as well as heat stress.
b Control links
These are used to drive and control the automated devices. Conventional cabling systems with separate wires are gradually being replaced by ready-made connections with connectors and communication buses.
b Cost of an equipment
Cost reduction is an issue at every level during the choice and decisionmaking process. Its tightly bound with the customer needs. Though this guide only describes the technical aspects, it has been written with costeffectiveness in mind.
1.2 1.3
To meet these requirements, an offer for reliable and powerful products must include ready-to-use architectures enabling intermediate players such as systems integrators and OEMs to specify and build the perfect solution for any end user. The figure 3 illustrates the relationship between market players and Schneider Electric offer.
A Fig. 3
Architectures add value to the intermediate players, starting with the retailer or wholesaler, panel builder, machine installer or manufacturer. It is a global approach that enables them to respond more reliably, exactly and faster to end customers in different industries such as food, infrastructure or building.
1.3
Automation architectures
In the late 1990s, the conventional prioritised approach both in manufacturing processes (CIM: Computer Integrated Manufacturing) and in continuous processes (PWS: Plant Wide Systems) gave way to a decentralised approach. Automated functions were implemented as close as possible to the process (see the definition of these terms in the software section.) The development of web processes based on Ethernet and the TCP/IP protocol began to penetrate complex automated systems. These gradually split up and were integrated into other functions, thus giving rise to smart devices. This architecture made it possible to have transparent interconnection between the control systems and IT management tools (MES, ERP). At the same time, the components (actuators, speed controllers, sensors, input/output devices, etc.) gradually evolved into smart devices by integrating programming and communication features.
b Smart devices
These include nano-automated devices, automated cells (such as Power Logic, Sepam, Dialpact, etc.) and components with a regulating function, such as speed controllers. These products are smart enough to manage process functions locally and to interact with each other. Transparent communication means that tasks can be reconfigured and diagnoses made these possibilities are perfectly in line with the web process (individual addressing, information formatted to be ready to use, information provider management). The product line of smart devices products are systematically plug and play for power controllers, control bus and sensors. This approach means equipment can be replaced quickly and easily in the event of failure.
1.3
Automation architectures
The integration of browsers into keyboard and screen systems, radio controls and other MMIs has accelerated deployment of web technologies right up to the component level (see chapter 9 for explanations of connection and classes). The integration of control functions into smart devices has reduced the data flow on networks, thereby lowering costs, reducing the power of the automated devices and speeding up response times. There is less need for synchronisation because the smart devices process locally.
b Networks
At the same time, networks have been widely accepted and have converged on a limited number of standards which cover 80% of applications. There are many options open to designers (CANopen, AS-Interface, Profibus, DeviceNet, etc.) but the trend is towards a standard single network. In this framework, Ethernet, which has already won over the industrial computerisation sector, can also address needs for ground buses. A great many elements are now directly network-connectable. This is the result of the combined effects of web-technology distribution, rationalisation of communication standards, the sharp drop in the price of information technology and the integration of electronics into electro-mechanical components. These developments have led to the definition of field buses adapted to communication between components and automated devices such as Modbus, CANopen, AS-Interface, Device Net, Interbus S, Profibus, Fip, etc. The increasing need for exchange prompts customers to give priority to the choice of network ahead of automated equipment.
1.4
Architecture definition
An architecture is designed to integrate, interface and coordinate the automated functions required for a machine or process with the object of productivity and environmental safety. A limited number of architectures can meet most automation requirements. To keep matters simple, Schneider Electric proposes to classify architectures on the basis of two structure levels (C Fig. 4): - functional integration based on the number of automation panels or enclosures, - the number of automated control functions, i.e. the number of control units in e.g. an automated device.
A Fig. 4
Type of architectures
A Fig. 6
1.4
Architecture definition
A Fig. 8
A Fig. 7
A Fig. 11
A Fig. 9
A Fig. 12
Packaging machine
1.4
Architecture definition
A Fig. 14
A Fig. 13
b Collaborative control
Several machines or parts of a procedure have their own controllers (C Fig. 15). They are linked together and collaborate in operating the system. This architecture is designed for large procedures such as in the petrochemical and steel industries or for infrastructures such as airports or water treatment plants (C Fig.16).
A Fig. 16
Water treatment
A Fig. 15 10
1.5
A Fig. 17
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1.5
b Preferred implementations
These implementations are the result of an optimization between the expressed needs and technologies available. The table (C Fig. 18) below shows a summary of them; they are described in greater detail in the documents provided by Schneider Electric.
A Fig. 18
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1.5
A Fig. 19
To assist customers choice, Schneider Electric has drawn up a complete guide with questions divided into four themes given the mnemonic of PICCS (Performance, Installation, Constraints, Cost, Size). An example is given (C Fig. 20 and 21) below. For all the implementations available, please refer to the catalogues. Here we are just illustrating the approach with examples.
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A Fig. 20
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A Fig. 21
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1.5
We shall take three different applications and ascertain the most suitable architecture(s) for each of them.
v Tower crane
Notwithstanding its apparent simplicity, this machine (C Fig. 22) has to comply with stringent safety and environmental standards. Market competition forces manufacturers to consider the cost of every element. The features of this type of crane are: - power of the installation from 10 kW to 115 kW depending on the load to hoist (2 to 350 metric tons), - hoisting, rotation, trolleying and translation are driven by three-phase AC motors with two or three gears or AC drives. Braking is mechanical or electric, - the system requires about a dozen of sensors and the man-machine interface can be in the cabin or remote-controlled. The choice of implementation naturally focuses on an optimised compact system in a single panel at the basement of the crane. The highlighted colour coding in the selection table above shows the options at a glance (C Fig. 23).
A Fig. 22
Tower crane
A Fig. 23
The Simple Compact is eliminated because its options are too limited. Both Optimised Compact and Evolutive Optimised Compact are suitable (C Fig. 24 and 25). The latter is even more suitable if the machine is a modular design or if remote maintenance is required.
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The choice of components naturally depends on the customers constraints and those of the chosen implementation. The figures below illustrate both possible implementations:
A Fig. 24
A Fig. 25
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A Fig. 26
Revolving table
A Fig. 27
Conveyor
A Fig. 28
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This leaves the two CANopen field bus solutions. The first, which is more economical (C Fig. 29), ensures the basic requisite functions and the second (C Fig. 30) ensures transparency and synchronisation with automated devices outside the section involved. It is also easy to upgrade: a new configuration can be downloaded whenever a series is changed and so forth.
v Electrical diagram
A Fig. 29
A Fig. 30
CANopen solution
A Fig. 31
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1.5
The choice will focus on a distributed implementation. The table (C Fig. 32) below shows the best one. The most suitable implementation is the Ethernet one (C Fig. 33 and 34), ensuring total transparency in the installation. The ASI bus is limited by its low data exchange capacity. The CANopen ones can be used with a modem but their possibilities are still restricted.
A Fig. 32
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A Fig. 33
A Fig. 34
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